Corsendonk Christmas Ale

You know how guys died in WWII and passed on their letters to loved ones on their deathbed? This is exactly what happened with this bastard. My buddy ordered this and couldn’t stand it...and for good reason. Way too medicinal in alcohol. Totally dominates everything. Syrupy sugar, alchohol and a little bit of hops. just not good at all. even compared to the couden carolous noel i had before it.

(Draught) Pours beautiful mahogny/red. Spicy, malty aroma with fruity and yeasty tones. Fresh nose with some wet stone and coctail berrys. Just a hint of chocolate. Medium sweet, pretty thick but silky mouthfeel with spices/herbs, marzipan and caramel. Medium body.

Dark brown color - slightly muddy - Aroma of raisins, dark malts - slightly winey. Flavor is fairly crisp with notes of dark malts, fruits and some light spice. Finish is clean - alcohol is masked.

Bottled. Served at cellar temp in a tulip. Had an aroma that was distinctly "Belgian" with earthy, yeasty, tangy notes. As it warmed I noticed some cloves in there too. This is one beautiful beer! It was a rich chestnut color with a lasting, profuse, cream- colored head. Flavor was lightly yeasty and refreshing with a mix of "Holiday spices" that I had trouble deciphering. Body was medium-full with a nice smooth mouthfeel.

Picked this up in Antwerp October 2006. This beer poured dark brown with a frothy white head, aroma was a bit port like with some dried fruits. Taste a bit sweet,. alcohol quite present, spicey, dried fruits. Very good Belgian christmas ale.

Bottle from Stockertown Beverage (that place rocks!). This is has some of the spices and yeast quality I detect in Corsendonk proper but its so much more elegantly balanced with a dry palate, a good dose of carbonation, and a raisin-citrus flavor which is present but doesn’t overdo it. I enjoy overpowering hoppy US ales but the balance and elegance of this beer makes me wonder if extreme is necessary to win my taste bud’s sensations. The alcohol is well hidden with this one which doesn’t seem as heavy and warming as other winter ales. But it is very tasty and well crafted!

On tap. Dark ruby, off white head. Aroma is faint pine and spices. Flavor is sweet pine, molasses, malt, spices.

Bottle purchased early 2006, sampled December 2006.

Pours a dark red-brown with a large if short-lived head. The aroma is peaches touched with cinnamon and just a whisper of barleywine-like alcohol and citrus. While there is ample peach and caramel early in the flavor, this is a well-hopped beer that finishes pleasingly dry. It is spicy and complex, definite citrus notes, some coffee roasts. Smooth mouthfeel, rich but not oily or heavy; this is an overall fascinating and enjoyable Christmas ale.